11th August 2015 - Press Release

Port of Dover Community Fund - another community group benefits from the Port's commitment to Dover

Another local community group is celebrating this week after receiving over £9,000 grant from the Port of Dover Community Fund.

Chosen by an independent panel, the Community Fund has recently awarded 10 projects locally with a combined contribution of over £71,000. Last week the Kent Community Fund (KCF) manager, Bruce Topham, and Community Fund panel member, Ronnie Philpott, were on hand to deliver a cheque to the latest group to benefit from the Port’s commitment to Dover.

Dover Partnership Against Crime (DPAC), established in 1995, involves traders, business people, police and the local authority in tackling crime in Dover, Deal and Sandwich through a dedicated radio system that links them all.

The Port of Dover Community Fund grant will enable the partnership to purchase digital radios in order to continue its work as the current analogue system is fast becoming obsolete.

“This will be another step closer to going digital thanks to this grant. Something we didn’t think we could even consider before. By having a digital radio system instead of analogue, the whole radio security will be much tighter. Only those who are part of the DPAC system will be able to listen in to the channel. The radio transmissions will be much clearer so members will not have to repeat themselves because of a crackly radio. By going digital DPAC will be able to extend into Whitfield allowing them to share information too.

It goes without saying that be allowing us to prevent and deter using a good radio system, enables the community in general to benefit. We at DPAC would like to say a huge thank you to the Port of Dover Community Fund.”

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says:

"I am delighted that the Community Fund will be able help DAPC and support them in the important work they are doing in their communities. The Fund has been established to support projects and activities in Dover and I look forward to seeing the charity develop further in the future.”

The 10 projects chosen as part of this year’s Community Fund cover a wide range of important community themes, including youth support, crime prevention, health, maritime skills, the arts and sport.

Carol Lynch, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, says:

“DPAC continues to enhance Dover as a great place to live, work and visit. The panel members were delighted to make this award, which will support DPAC in the important role it plays in the town.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

In the spirit of independence and community, the Port of Dover has entrusted the management of the Community Fund to the Kent Community Foundation (KCF). With more than a decade of experience of managing similar schemes, KCF will oversee the promotion, evaluation and administration of grant applications for projects that foster skills, jobs and the community in the months and years ahead.

Further enquiries about the funding awards should be made to Samantha Flood, Fund Development Manager, Kent Community Foundation - samantha@kentcf.org.uk / 01303 814 500.